Which statement best reflects the function of alarms and air sampling in plant radiological safety?

• A. They calibrate measuring devices.
• B. They are used in the plant to monitor radiological conditions and sample air.
• C. They control the HVAC temperature.
• D. They determine fuel composition.

Answer: (B)

Alarms and air sampling are about watching for radiological conditions and catching contamination before it harms people. Alarms pop up when radiation levels or airborne radioactivity rise above set limits, giving an immediate signal to stop work, evacuate, or put protective measures in place. Air sampling continuously or periodically collects and analyzes air to measure how much radioactive material is present, which helps assess inhalation risks, track contamination spread, verify that containment and controls are working, and guide decisions about respirators and decontamination.

They aren’t used to calibrate instruments, which is a separate maintenance task. They also don’t control HVAC temperature or determine fuel composition, which are outside their safety monitoring role.